Headlight



J. D. KENNELLY HEADLIGHT March 11, 1941.

s sheets-sheet 1 Filed Dec. 30, 1937 March 11, 1941; 1 D, KENNELLY l 2,234,600

HEADLIGH':

Filed Dec. 3o, 1937 3 sheets-sheet 2 v l 4/9 v5 b o 44 -T 4Z j X l| 55 f 52 55 i iUli) ill' j f o 44 46 March 11, 1941. 1 Q KENNELLY l 2,234,600 f HEADLIGHT Filed Deo. so, 1957 s sheets-sheet 5 Patented Mar. 11, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 9 Claims.

This invention relates to headlights for vehicles and particularly to a new type of headlight in which the light beam is caused to move, continuously if desired, by means of a motor or other motive force.

This invention is particularly useful as a warning signal light in locomotives and when so used its powerful light beam is caused to sweep rapidly back and forth to the right and left of the right of way far :ahead of the locomotive, flashing a warning to motorists :and other persons of the approach of the locomotive. The rapid and vigorous motion of the beam :causes itlto stand .out prominently among the numerous stationary or fixed beam lights which so often are competing with each other for :attention and contribnting to the confusion of the night traveling public.

The general objec-t of .the invention is to provide an apparatus which will produce a continuously moving light beam and suitably constructed for dependable operation.

Ano-ther yobject of the invention is to provide an Iapparatus which is capable of adjustment to produce various `different motions for the light beam to suit the requirements of 'different installati-ons.

Another advantage of .the invention herein illustrated is found in the particular structure which provides a weatherproof device yet' affording easy Iaccessibility to the operating parts thereof when service or repair is necessary.

Another object of .the invention is to provide .in a headlight of this character a structure which is easily `and accurately assembled and thoroughly dependable in operation.

Various other objects and advantages of the invention will be .alluded to specifically or will become apparent upon :a perusal of the following specification.

In the drawings I have illustrated a form of headlight suitable for mounting upon a locomotive or any other vehicle.

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view with portions in' elevation of a headlight made in acsupport for the reflector operating mechanism andassociated parts;

Fig. 6 is a front elevationof the in Fig. 1;

Fig. '1 is a horizontal sectional view of the 5 headlight shown in Fig. 1, showing the operating mechanism in plan view.

Referring now to the drawings, the housing for the light consists prefer-ably of `a rear section I and an intermediate section 2. Adjoining vthe front open end of section 2 is an annular frame member 3 which supports the lens -4 land-the llight beam projector and the operating` mechanism therefor.

The 4lens preferably'has its edges vcushioned in a resilient annulus s-uch as 5 made of rubber or other suitable resilient material which is snugly tted in any suitable manner ing-a vmetal collar 6 and held .therein by a retaining 4ring 'I.

l The annular member 3 is shaped, las shown, to constitute a :continuation of the housing, but may have some other form ,or configuration, while serving as lan apparatus supporting vmember which may be rigidly connected to the housing yet readily disengaged therefrom.

The member 3 is preferably reenf-orced With a plurality of Vradial ri-bs such las `8 extendingto the web 9 from which projects rearwardly two brackets Il :and I2. These brackets furnish a pivotal support for the reflector or light projec-` tor. Also extending rearwardly from the web 9 of .the frame member 3 are a pair of brackets I3 and I3.

Pivotally supported on a vertical axis between the brackets II and I2 at II `and I2 is an annulus I4 which provides a pivotal support about ya horizontal :axis forthe reflector I5.

Preferably the reflector is made of the usual thin material and has an inner reflecting surface, the reflector being secured at its open end in any suitable manner to'an annular frame I6. For example, a clamping ring I'I and screws I8 may be employed for vthis purpose. Exten-ding rearwardly from the frame I6is a pair of ears 45 on opposite sides such as I9 and I3' which are pivotally secured tothe annulus Mat II) and I0' and fromy that pointV extend fur-ther rearwardly and inwardly toward eachV -other inthe form of arms such as `2| and 22.

The `arms 2I-and 22 may be separate or integral, as desired, but when separated,asshown, are :clamped :together by means of boltsisuch as 23 and in this instance may be employed to grip between their enlarged en ds 24 andZFfither the .base of vith-ellamp bulb 120, the bulb socket 'or the device shown i electrical connections associated therewith. Thus if the arms 2| and 22 clamp the lamp bulb ba-se or socket the bulb m-ay be accurately located in the reflector without being directly attached thereto. If it be desired that a socket for the lamp be connected directly to .the reector, thearms 2| and 22 will support the electrical connections which furnish a current to the lamp and Ithus in the gyrations of the reflector no strains will be imposed on it 4by the electrical cables such as 26.

The reflector and the means for mounting it for both horizontal and vertical movement having been described, I will now describe .the mechato the reflector. Supported on the rear ends` of the brackets I3 and I 3 by means of the cap screws such as 21 are a pair of arms 28 and 29 on whichV a motor 3I i-s firmly supported. The shaft ofl 25; member 34 which may be xed in any position of 36 the ring I4.

eccentricity with relation to the axis of rotation of the head 32 is' connected to a pitman rod 35, the forward end of which rod is pivotally connected at 36 to an arm 31 integrally forme-d with Reciprocatory motion of the pitman rod resulting from its eccentric position with the rotating head 32 will impart oscillatory motion to the ring I4. The extent of this oscillation may be varied by varying the eccentricity of 4gthe position of the ball 33. The pitman rod is preferably variable in length for the purpose of adjustment, `it being shown as comprising two sections which4 may be secured together by the bolt 38. However, some other form of pitman rod 40?: adjustable in length may be employed.

The upper end of the shaft off the'motor is .connected to another train of speed reducing gears (not shown) which will drive a head 39 to which is Vpivotally connected in an eccentric position in any suitable manner an upper pitman rod 4I,

this-rod being likewise adjustable in length as shown at its middle portion 42. Theforward end of this .pitmanfrod is pivotally connected to a yoke 43 mtegralwith' the frame I6, itbeing pref- `-erable that the 'axis' of the pivotal connection between the yoke and the pitman rod be in alignment with the'pivotal` axis of the ring 'I4 when the rings I4 and I6 areV parallel. The-eccentric connection of the upper pitman rod 4I with the hfead 39 will therefore impart a'tilting of the refiector about the horizontal axis while the reciprocation of the lower pitman rod 35 will turn the reflector to the left and right about a vertical By varying the amount of eccentricity of the .point of connection of each pitman rod to the shaft which drives it and by varying the lengths of the pitman rods themselves, one can cause the path of the light beam .to assume different congurations,including arcs, straight lines and figure 8s. For-most purposes it will be satisfactory to have the light beam-follow a path similar toA sired distance front of :the locomotive. Also. the sweep ofthe-beam laterally @tithe-track and:

upwardly into the air may be varied to suit different operating requirements on different railroads, without necessitating special designs and construction for each such different requirement.

In order that the device may be' opened up for inspection and servicing, I have made provision whereby the :apparatus while normally tightly sealed against the weather can very conveniently be made accessible. The rear section I of .the casing which is bolted to the intermediate section 2 by a plurality of bolts such as 44 is .provided at its rear end with a pair of bosses such as 45 into which are threaded or otherwise secured a pair off sleeves 46 which extend outwardly nism for imparting these two pivotal movements j until they pass through upstanding brackets 41 integral with .the bottom of the casing 2. Collars 48 serve to lock these sleeves in position and at `the same .time provide a bearing for the rods 49 connected with the pistons 5I, which latter slide in the sleeves. To the outer ends of the rods 49 is secured the frame member 3 in any suitable'manner so that when the frame member 3 is pulled outwardly, as shown in Fig, 3, theehtire mechanism for operating .the rei'lector will bev supported slid-ably on the two rods 49. Thejapparatus when in retracted position is securely held by means of a plurality of stud '.bo1ts`1524 which are threaded through lugs 53 .integral with the casing 2 and which pass Ithrough holesl 54; provided in the web 9 of .the frame 3. When so secured, a packing ring 55 seals the juncture: of the frame and casing. Y 1

The casing is provided with legs 56` and' 51 whichm-ay be used to secure the headlight to the4 locomotive or other vehicle in any desired man ner. y i

The lens is .preferably hing-edto the frame 3 to facilitate access yto the nuts 58 on the studs 52,l Brackets 59 integral 4with the frame ,3 and brackets 6I integral with the lens retaining collar 6 are connected 4together in hinged relation by hinge pintles 62. By removing either of these pintles the lens may be swung to open positionhinging on the other pintle, and thev nuts 5,8 may .then easily be reached. The lens collar 6 is preferably held tightly against frame 3 by aV pluralityV of bolts 1 which may be screwed into place by hand.-

1 Hence, by rswinging the lens open, the nuts 58., may .be reached and removed and Ithe operating unit slid out of ,the casing. VAny ordinary servieing such as replacement of the light bulb, lubrication and adjustments, if any, may ,be -.taken care of while the apparatus is thus. eXpOsed without removing the device from the locomotive, Should it be desired, however, .to remove the mechanism from lthe locomotive, this canV bedone conveniently by unscrewing .the collars 4,8 whifch will permit the pistons to be withdrawn'andthe er1-tire operating mechanism to be takendown` off the locomotive. The convenience Yof .these pro? visions for inspection and servicingfwill heap-- preciated when it is realized` that .ingmany installations the light will be. placed immediately-in front of the smoke sta-ck and its base orgcasiiig will be securely bolted to the top-of the frontend sectionoftheboiler. l Y The reflector I5 is preferably made of thinma terial and providedwiththe usual inner reflecting surface. Itisl important to protect this thin-reflector from distortiondurirg'its rapid gyrations,. hence it is' attached at its rim tothe heavier la/nf nular frame I6, while the vlamp base, socket; or`

longed use. This reflectorfand its .associatedY light bulb is termed A.herein as thealightfbe'am projector.

Ordinarily the casing will bemounted rather permanently on the locomotive, 4but all the moving. operating parts are so designed and supported that theyr may be removed quickly from thev casing as a unit and replaced by an entirely new .set

of apparatus when quick servicing is required. Also the unit can be adjustedand focused while out of the casing and inserted-thereinto ready to operate.

While I have shown and described in-considerable detail a preferred form of the invention, it will be obvious that various other modifications in the details of construction may be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention described in the following claims.

I claim:

l. A headlight constructed for projecting a generally horizontal beam comprising a casing open at one end, Ian annular member and means for removably securing the same at said open end, a reflector and means for pivotally supporting the same on said member for pivotal movement about two axes at right angles to each other, a motor and connections therefrom to the reflector mounting means for oscillating the latter about its pivotal axis, and means carried by said member for supporting said motor within the casing rearwardly of said reflector, the main body of said reflector being positioned forwardly of its two axes of movement and connected to its pivotal Support through its rim portion only.

2. A headlight constructed for projecting a generally horizontal beam comprising a casing open at one end and means for mounting the same securely upon a locomotive, an annular member and means for removably securing the same at said open end, a reflector and means for pivotally supporting the same on said member for pivotal movement about two axes at right angles to each other, a motor and connections therefrom to the reflector mounting means for oscillating the latter about its pivotal axis, and means carried by said member for supporting said motor within the casing rearwardly of said reflector, the main body of said reflector being positioned forwardly of its two axes of movement and connected to its pivotal support through its rim portion only.

3. A headlight constructed for projecting a generally horizontal beam comprising a casing having an open front end and otherwise closed, means for mounting the casing securely upon a vehicle, an annular member and means for removably securing the same to the casing at said open end, a lens and a lens retaining collar c0- operating with said member and said casing for closing and sealing said front end, a reflector pivotally mounted on said member, an electric motor carried by said member and supported rearwardly of the reflector, and driving means connected with the motor and reflector for oscillating the latter about its pivotal axis, the m-ain body of said reflector being positioned forwardly of its two axes of movement and connected to its pivotal support through its rim portion only.

4. In a headlight constructed for projecting a generally horizontal beam having a pivotally mounted reflector and a motor for oscillating the same, means for mounting said reflector comprising a `rigid annular. frame isecureditofthe. large f open end of the reflector; an.. annulusloca'te'd';

rearwardly lof said openl end for. pivotally V`supporting said frame foroscillation -about `a hori-V zontal axis, means for pivotally supporting said annulus` for oscillationuabout a vertical axis, means mounting said.v motor.. rearwardly yof the reflector, and means including gears connected I with the motor shaft and said frame and similar means connected with thesannulus for oscillating the reflector'about both axes, ,the main body Aof said reflector being positioned forwardly of its two axes of movement :and connectedto its Div-v otalsupport through itsrrim portion only.

5. In a `headlight constructed. for projectingf a generally horizontal beam having a pivotallyv mounted. reflector anda-motor for oscillating the same, means for. mounting saidreilector comprising `a rigid annular frame secured to the. large open endy of the reflector, an annulusV located..

rearwardly of said open end for pivotally supporting said frame for oscillation about a horizontal axis, means for pivotally supporting said annulus for oscillation about a vertical axis, means mounting said motor rearwardly of the reflector with its shaft parallel to one of said axes, and means including gearsv connected with the motor shaft and said frame and similar means connected with the annulus for oscillating the reflector about both axes, the main body of said reflector being positioned forwardly of its two axes of movement and connected to its pivotal support throughits rim portion only.

6. In a headlight constructed for projecting a generally horizontal beam having a pivotally mounted reflector and a motor for oscillating the same, means for mounting said reflector comprising a rigid annular frame secured to the large open endof the reflector, an annulus located rearwardly of said open end for pivotally supporting said frame for oscillation about a horizontal axis, means for pivotally supporting said annulus for oscillation about a vertical axis, means mounting said motor rearwardly of the reflector with its shaft parallel to one of said axes, and means including gears connected with the motor shaft and said frame and similar means connected with the annulus for oscillating the reflector about both axes, the oscillating means connected with the frame and with the annulus respectively being connected to opposite ends of said motor shaft, the main body of said reflector being positioned forwardly of its two axes of movement and connected to its pivotal support through its rim portion only.

7. In a headlight constructed for projecting a generally horizontal beam having a pivotally mounted reflector and a motor for oscillating the same, means for mounting said reflector comprising a rigid annular frame secured to the large open end of the reflector, an annulus located rearwardly of said open end for pivotally supporting said frame for oscillation about a horizontal axis, means for pivotally supporting said annulus for oscillation about a vertical axis, means for mounting said motor rearwardly of the reflector, means including gears connected of movement and .connected v,toits pivotal support:

through its'iimportion only. -f

atsaid open end, a reectorandmeans for pivotally supporting the same on said member" for pivotal movement about two axes at right angles llto each other, a motorand connections therefrom tothe vreflector mountingmeans for yoscillating the latterabout its pivotal axis, and means for supporting said motor on said member within-the casing rearwardly of saidreflector, the main body 15; of; said reflector beingpositioned forwardlys'of its two axes of movementfand connected to its pivotal support through its rim, portion only.

9. `A headlight constructed for projecting :a generally horizontal beamcomprising a casing 20,'filhaving an open front end and otherwise closed,

means'forninting th, casing securely upon a' vehicle, an 'annular memberl and means for removably securing the same to the casing at said open end, a lens and a lens retaining collar cooperating with said member and said casing for closingand sealing said front end, a reflector pivotally mounted on said member, an electric motor carried by said member and supported rearwardly ofthe reector, and driving means connected with the motor and reflector for oscillating the latter 4aboutits pivotal axis, the securing means for said member being concealed within the casing when the headlight is assembled and closed and being positioned for access when the lens retaining collar is swung to open position, the main body of said reflector being positioned forwardly of its two axes of movement and connected to its pivotal support through its rim portiononly.V

JEREMIAH D. KENNELLY. 

